CER Press Release
Washington, DC
June 28, 2013
In a state that has been a leader in creating more and better opportunities for students and parents, Gov. Kasich is now expected to approve a budget that builds on Ohio’s legacy of meaningful education reform.
Currently ranked number 4 on the Parent Power Index©, these changes are likely to put Ohio in the top three of states providing more control for parents over the education of their children.
The budget, to be signed by Kasich in the coming days, allows for the parent trigger pilot program in Columbus to be expanded statewide, a clear victory for parents seeking to improve their local school.
The state voucher program will expand during the first year to include up to 2,000 kindergartners whose family income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level, in the hopes of widening the program to include all K-12 income eligible students.
“These budgetary provisions add to Ohio’s proportionately high number of quality schooling opportunities in comparison to other states,” Jeanne Allen, President of The Center for Education Reform, said in a statement. “In a time when parents in Ohio and nationwide are clamoring for more choices, there is no shortage of reforms that can be implemented.”
The state budget passed the House and Senate on Thursday, and now goes to the governor’s desk, where Kasich is expected to sign it into law.